MAKKAH — The Ministry of Health has announced its full readiness with human cadres and health facilities to receive and serve the guests of God during the Hajj season of 2024. The integrated preparations and new technologies include hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics in Makkah, Madinah, and various holy sites to ensure the provision of the best healthcare to pilgrims. The Ministry of Health indicated that more than 32,000 medical and administrative staff have been distributed across various health facilities and centers, including over 5,000 doctors from various specialties. These professionals are ready to provide necessary healthcare and respond quickly to any emergency around the clock in 183 health facilities, including 32 hospitals, 151 health centers, and 6 mobile clinics equipped with the latest medical technology. The capacity of these facilities reaches more than 6,400 beds, distributed among hospitals and centers, including intensive care, emergency beds, and beds designated for heat strokes. The Ministry confirmed that preparations also included the use of the latest health technologies and automated services. This includes the continued operation of the Seha Virtual Hospital and its affiliated virtual clinics, which provide remote healthcare services using advanced technologies. The "Sehhaty" application is also being utilized to provide consulting services and medical information to pilgrims via smartphones, alongside integrated electronic systems and platforms for managing pilgrims' health data and coordinating efforts between various health facilities. Coordination is also being made with the competent authorities to use drones for the quick and efficient transport of blood units and laboratory samples between hospitals at the holy sites. The Ministry of Health continues to participate in the Makkah Road initiative, which facilitates entry procedures for the guests of God, implements health requirements, and completes preventive measures before their departure to Saudi Arabia. This coordination with participating countries ensures that pilgrims adhere to health requirements before their arrival, allowing them to go directly to their residences without the need for verification procedures at the ports. Additionally, the Ministry is intensifying health awareness efforts for pilgrims by distributing educational brochures and broadcasting awareness programs through display screens at ports, halls, and Hajj mission headquarters to raise health awareness among pilgrims and ensure adherence to health guidelines to maintain their health and safety. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has also completed its preparations for the Hajj season 2024 by providing its full human resources capabilities and ground and air ambulance services, represented by ambulances and disaster and rapid response vehicles. The SRCA will deploy more than 2,540 medical personnel and administrators, including women leaders, distributed among 98 emergency centers, in addition to field workers with more than 694 ambulance services and seven air ambulance aircraft to ensure rapid response to emergency cases. The SRCA is also keen to activate the role of first responders to provide initial aid before ambulance teams arrive and to activate volunteer roles. The Authority emphasizes the importance of integration with other parties by conducting drills to raise the readiness of ambulance teams, ensuring early preparation and optimal response during the Hajj seasons.
